IFA 2017 | Lenovo expands Yoga 720 lineup with new 12.5-inch option

The mid-range Yoga 720 family is getting its smallest member yet with the introduction of the new 12.5-inch Yoga 720.

Lenovo fans may remember that the last generation Yoga 710 family was home to 11.6-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch models while the newer Yoga 720 was previously limited to 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. This latest 12.5-inch SKU is based off of the 11.6-inch Yoga 710 chassis but with vastly improved performance. Whereas the 11.6-inch Yoga 710 shipped with fanless Core m options, the 12.5-inch Yoga 720 will have full-fledged 7th generation Kaby Lake U-class options up to a Core i7. Initial specifications include:

• 12.5-inch FHD IPS display
• 4 GB to 8 GB DDR4 RAM
• 128/256/512 GB SATA III SSD
• USB 3.0, USB Type-C (w/ DP), 3.5 mm audio
• 36 Wh battery
• 293 x 203.4 x 15.75 mm
• 1.15 kg

When compared to the 11.6-inch Yoga 710, the 12.5-inch Yoga 720 is almost exactly the same in size since its bezels are much narrower to accommodate the larger screen. Ventilation grilles have been added to the bottom of the unit in order to support the actively-cooled ULV CPU options.

From our short time with the Yoga 720 preview unit, the convertible appears to suffer from the same light and spongy keys as on the Yoga 920. Typing on the Yoga keyboards makes us appreciate how much more comfortable the AccuType keyboards are on most newer ThinkPads. beyond this, the chassis feels great to hold including its relatively rigid lid and hinges.

It's worth noting that the new Yoga 720 will not feature Kaby Lake-R or Coffee Lake options at all. The manufacturer feels that the jump from Core m to 7th gen Core i is significant enough for a mid-range consumer product to omit 8th gen options completely. Incorporating any of the newer Intel options would have likely increased costs and downplayed the upcoming Yoga 920.

The 12.5-inch Yoga 720 will be available starting October for an introductory price of $650 USD in Black, Gray, and Silver color options. Users wanting something a little classier should take a look at the new flagship Yoga 920 or refreshed XPS 13 that was also unveiled at this year's IFA expo.

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